Queen Esther Whayne

**In Loving Memory of Queen Whayne**

*April 26, 1954 - March 10, 2025*

With heavy hearts yet full of gratitude for a cherished life, we celebrate the remarkable journey of Queen Whayne. Born on April 26, 1954, in Wesson, Mississippi, to David L. Patterson and Loretta Montgomery Patterson, Queen was a beacon of love and resilience, nurtured in a Christian home amongst her siblings—David, Donell, Ronald, Donald, and sister Shirley.

As she blossomed, Queen showed remarkable promise and strength, excelling as a dedicated track star at South High School in Denver, Colorado, renowned for her speed, endurance, and unyielding determination. Her professional journey led her to retirement as a computer programmer with the State of Colorado—a career marked by diligence and passion.

Queen’s legacy is one of warmth and unwavering love, embodied in her daughter, Kecia. Together they created a world filled with strength, courage, and compassion, where others were always placed before self. This spirit of selflessness extended to her beloved grandchildren—Shemar, Jordan, and Kennedi—affectionately known as “Granny.” The laughter and joy they shared will forever echo in the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness their bond.

The heart of Queen’s home was her kitchen, where the tantalizing aromas of perfectly seasoned dishes filled the air, especially during the treasured holiday gatherings. For Queen, cooking was an expression of love, a cherished tradition that brought family together and created memories that will be savored for generations. Her Thanksgiving feasts were a testament to her nurturing spirit, offering not just food but a sanctuary of warmth, tradition, and togetherness.

An epitome of joy, Queen delighted in life's simple pleasures—bingo nights with friends, devouring thrilling novels by James Patterson, and trips to Central City every Friday. She devoted over 60 years of her life to the Spottswood AME Zion Church, nurturing her faith and community.

Among her closest friends—Marian, Shirley, and Debra—Queen fostered bonds enriched by kindness and countless shared moments of joy. Her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, yet her spirit will continue to resonate in the lives she touched with warmth and generosity. Queen had a unique gift of making everyone feel special, her radiant smile a remedy for any sorrow, illuminating even the darkest days.

Queen Whayne departed this life on March 10, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, embraced by the love of the Lord. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Alan Whayne; her daughter, Kecia Rogers (Howard); her sister, Shirley A. (Glenn) Whayne; four brothers: David E. Patterson, Donell (Tina) Patterson, Ronald (April) Patterson, and Donald (Yvonne) Patterson, all of Denver, Colorado; her three beloved grandchildren, Shemar, Jordan, and Kennedi; stepchildren Christopher, Ciara, Kendra, and Sharde Whayne and their families; as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones.

Though our hearts ache with loss, we are forever grateful for the love and light Queen Whayne infused into our lives. May her legacy of kindness, strength, and joy live on, illuminating our paths until we meet again.